Your wedding is supposed to be the most magical and special day of your life so why not do it in style and tie the knot overseas. Of course there are several things you’ll need to consider, namely costs and legalities, but as the world seems to become ever smaller through international travel and the relaxation of border rules and residency permits, getting married overseas is becoming easier. The world really is your oyster.
Practicalities
Although it may be your dream to get married on a tropical island it’s not exactly the cheapest way to do it. Help yourself out by cutting costs elsewhere. Don’t go for a designer wedding dress and wedding shoes. Instead look for off the peg dresses and wedding shoes from the high street.
Arrange for food, flowers and all the trimmings to be dealt with locally at your destination, as this will save you money in the long run.
Keep the wedding small, but get everyone booked in at the same hotel to make the most of group booking discounts.
Make your own wedding invitations to keep costs down and to help your guests out, don’t ask for wedding gifts. Their presence should be enough of a present, especially if you choose a long-haul destination.
Legalities
Most countries require you to be a resident to get married, however, there are countries that offer temporary residency permits for the sake of weddings for just a few days. These countries include Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bali, Thailand, the Caribbean, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Fiji. Other countries may allow you to get married but you will need special permission.
Locations
Bearing the above legalities in mind and the fact that the world economy is still moving in slow motion so your savings might not be too large, where are the best locations to get married that offer the wow factor but without hefty costs?
Short haul destinations will obviously be cheaper as you don’t have to spend a thousand pounds just getting from A to B. However, in terms of value for money Asia is a better bet. The costs associated with hiring a venue, arranging food and hotel accommodation are cheapest in Thailand, Bali and Sri Lanka and all three locations really have the wow factor.